ZUU Image
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 146 Ratings

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  • Summary: The fourth full-length studio release for the Florida rapper features guest appearances from Ice Billion Berg, Tay Keith, Kiddo Marv, PlayThatBoiZay, Rick Ross, and Sam Sneak.
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Top Track

RICKY
[Pre-Chorus] First they knockin', now they hoppin' All on the wave 'cause they see me poppin' Big large pockets, they start flockin' Here's what I... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Jun 21, 2019
    90
    In less than a half hour, Curry establishes himself not only as one of the most capable and exciting artists of his generation, but also worthy of a place in Miami's rap pedigree, right alongside the local icons who inspired this gem.
  2. Jun 4, 2019
    83
    There are few forces more powerful than the feeling of belonging. In creating his stunning Miami rap opus, Denzel Curry taps into that, demonstrating that he belongs among its most distinguished representatives in the process.
  3. Jun 26, 2019
    82
    ZUU is filled with entertaining records, but their relatively short runtimes often leave one yearning for more. This brevity is just minor quibble though when presented with rewind-worthy efforts such as “Ricky,” a creation named after Curry’s father.
  4. Overall, he has created a musical representation of his upbringing in the Sunshine state, evoking its intricate culture. His mixture of smoother, dreamier beats in opposition with harder-hitting and chest-bouncing ones create an aural journey and explanation as to why he is “real-ass n***a from the 305”.
  5. Jun 4, 2019
    80
    ZUU is an experience that transports the listener to a specific time and place. ZUU is further proof that Denzel Curry is one of hip-hop's most interesting and progressive MCs.
  6. Jun 4, 2019
    75
    ZUU is Curry’s ASTROWORLD, unmistakably transporting us to a specific time and place and never apologizing for it. The 2019 summer snapshot may prove as ephemeral as the season it represents, but for Curry, it represents an important step in embracing the heart and changing the hatred of a city it’s clear he will never truly leave.
  7. Jun 4, 2019
    70
    Even though I said Curry raps more than his peers, I didn’t say he NEVER sings. He flips back and forth between both on tracks like the Rugah Rajh produced “Speedboat,” but the nice thing is that he’s not so heavily medicated and AutoTuned that you can’t follow along with his delivery.

See all 8 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 24
  2. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Dec 20, 2022
    10
    super good ILY Denzel and Kendrick is like really good but you're better xoxoxoxo
  2. Aug 21, 2019
    9
    The first 6 songs are excellent and the last 6 are great. Curry really sets himself apart from his peers by having rap songs with catchy hooksThe first 6 songs are excellent and the last 6 are great. Curry really sets himself apart from his peers by having rap songs with catchy hooks and good lyrical content.
    Standout tracks: SPEEDBOAT, RICKY
    Expand
  3. Apr 19, 2021
    9
    one of the most capable and exciting artists of his generation, but also worthy of a place in Miami's rap pedigree. It isn't on the same levelone of the most capable and exciting artists of his generation, but also worthy of a place in Miami's rap pedigree. It isn't on the same level as Ta13oo, but still a good album. I enjoy more songs on the album than expected before the album dropped. Expand
  4. Oct 23, 2019
    8
    While I still loved and enjoyed this album, it was a project, sound and style that really threw me off on my first few listens, but grew onWhile I still loved and enjoyed this album, it was a project, sound and style that really threw me off on my first few listens, but grew on me, quite a lot, as time and my listening continued. I was going into this project expecting a sound like the 'Mixtape Denzel Curry' I fell in love with listening to, and still do absolutely love. This is a sound, and atmosphere, that is totally new and different for Denzel. Not only are the lyrics, stories and references back to his home city of Miami, Florida, very admirable, but also sonically, Denzel reached into another new direction and sound for this project. This total Miami sound and vibe he attacks for the first time is great for Denzel and honestly sounds fantastic. Tracks like 'P.A.T,' are a callback and a step forward for the loud, noisy and blaring sound that Denzel has perfected, and showed off that he's great at creating throughout his career, and it's very awe-inspiring to hear Denzel pushing this sound forward, once again. Also finally, 'P.A.T' is a fantastic closing track for this project, (like every one of Curry's closing tracks on his projects) and this makes me believe the man could do no wrong, and a very damn great job as a lead singer in a Rock or Metal band (please go through with that Denzel, I can only wish for that as of now), and over the years his' tracks like P.A.T, Narcotics and his' Bulls on Parade cover (and technically a song remix, with him including Verse 3 from his song 'SIRENS | Z1RENZ,' toward the conclusion of the song) are all great examples of how great Denzel sounds with a loud, deafening, scream while delivering his, or anyone's lyrics. Denzel truly is a generational talent, and one that has yet to release a bad project, whether it be a mixtape, EP or album. While I do not believe he is the best rapper currently creating the genre of music, he is very damn close, skill wise and 'project success/positivity wise' to the man who is the best rapper as of right now and of this generation, Kendrick Lamar, and if he continues on with the great work he's been creating since 2011, many more listeners will understand and agree with that statement. Does his unique, great sounding and distinct delivery work and sound good to all listeners? No. Does everyone who understands hip hop music and listens or critiques music understand, love and or see the great traits that Denzel brings to the hip hop landscape? Absolutely. Denzel's typical loud sound does not fit the ears of all listeners, but all of the individuals who understand music, and what makes music great are very in touch with Denzel and his music, sound and what makes him a fantastic rapper to get behind, watch climb up the ladder that is hip hop, and keep a close eye on as he continues his journey toward becoming universally known, as the best rapper, or simply just, artist, in 'the game,' or just the field of music at the moment. This project is scarily one of Denzel's best and while it is not 'something big,' as Denzel would say and did say, it still is a of great music and a short project that since release, I have listened to a large number of times. Expand
  5. Aug 17, 2019
    7
    Not as conceptual or as grand as TA13OO but it's not trying to be. Very laid back love letter to Denzel's home town of Miami, Florida.

    Best
    Not as conceptual or as grand as TA13OO but it's not trying to be. Very laid back love letter to Denzel's home town of Miami, Florida.

    Best Tracks: WISH, RICKY, SPEEDBOAT, ZUU, P.A.T
    Worst Tracks: Shake 88
    Expand
  6. Feb 25, 2020
    7
    Easily Denzel Curry's best album yet with bangers like Ricky and Speedboat, the album itself seems very polished and it's clear that a lot ofEasily Denzel Curry's best album yet with bangers like Ricky and Speedboat, the album itself seems very polished and it's clear that a lot of care was put into this album. While some of the beats can be basic at times though, but an overall very solid album. Expand
  7. Aug 26, 2019
    6
    It’a alright. Very different compared to his other projects and not always in the right ways. Taboo was a borderline masterpiece Zuu was theIt’a alright. Very different compared to his other projects and not always in the right ways. Taboo was a borderline masterpiece Zuu was the inevitable disappointing follow up. Expand

See all 24 User Reviews

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